ABSTRACT
Historic furnishings may be displayed in ways that reflect their original placement and usage, and to illustrate the story of the property and its owners. A prerequisite of informed decisions about a heritage house, especially when assessing the impact of any proposed changes, is an understanding of the property’s significance, including its history and relevance to its community. A historic house museum should have documentation defining its status and objectives, including its mission statements and collecting policies. Some historic properties provide a physical space for a museum. These buildings may provide the backdrop for different types of exhibitions. Legal requirements for the care of buildings and visitors vary from country to country, and it is necessary to define responsibility and a course of action in case of an emergency requiring building/roof repair. A robust emergency plan helps to recover quickly from catastrophic events such as fire, flooding or natural disasters.
